Description:

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a dynamic, service-minded legal professional to fill the role of Counsel I. The selected candidate must be a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and will represent DCF in Juvenile and Probate Court, in custody, termination of parental rights, guardianship and adoption cases.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

Interpret laws, court decisions and opinions, rules and regulations applicable to the agency.
Prepare and litigate custody, termination of parental rights and guardianship court cases.
Prepare petitions, affidavits, memorandum of law, discovery motions, findings of fact and other legal documents for agency court involved cases.
Prepare opinions and advises clinical agency staff on legal procedures and requirements for agency cases which are pending in the courts.
Conduct training of agency staff on legal issues pertaining to agency work, litigation processes, changes to law, regulation or policy, or other topics as needed.
Assist in preparing appellate briefs, orders, opinions, rules and regulations related to the administration and enforcement of laws within the jurisdiction of the agency.

To Apply:
Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

About the Department of Children and Families:
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF's vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care and education.

DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by: stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary, safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and, 6) committed to continuous learning.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dcf

Pre-Hire Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

*Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option 2.

Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.